Wood Heater Safety Checklist for Tasmanian Homes

• Check the manufacturer's minimum clearance to combustible walls.
• Keep rugs, drying clothes, and kindling well clear of the firebox.
• Make sure the hearth pad is intact, level and the correct size.

• Door rope/seal is intact and compresses with a slight resistance.
• Glass is free of cracks (a star crack means it must be replaced).
• Baffle plate is in place and not warped or sagging.
• Firebricks aren't crumbling or pieces missing.

• External cowl is intact, with no missing or rusted parts.
• No daylight visible through cracks in masonry chimneys.
• Flue is clear of nests, leaves, or visible obstructions.
• No staining (water marks, soot streaks) on the ceiling around the flue.

• Working smoke alarm on every level, tested within the last month.
• Consider a carbon monoxide alarm in the same room as the heater.
• Replace alarms every 10 years — write the date on the unit.

• Use only seasoned hardwood — never treated timber or rubbish.
• Run a hot fire daily to keep the flue clear of condensate.
• Avoid extreme overnight damping where you can.
• Always close the door fully when the fire is unattended.

Some checks need experience and the right tools — internal flue inspection, creosote grading, seal replacement, baffle and firebrick assessment. Book that once a year, ideally before winter. Note the date so next year is easy to remember.